Science museums in Stockholm
Publish date: 4 October 2024
Dive headfirst into the worlds of physics, biology, and chemistry at one of Stockholm’s science museums.
Stockholm has several attractions great for anyone who likes to combine a museum visit with amassing knowledge, be it about the laws of thermodynamics or economic theory.
Sometimes in fun and playful combinations, like at Tom Tits Experiment – an indoor playground and experimental workshop – or Accelerator; an art gallery located at Stockholm University where modern art meets science in unique collaborations.
Furthermore, three of Stockholm's most popular museums are great places for learning by seeing; Skansen, The National Museum of Science and Technology, and The Swedish Museum of Natural History. They're kid-friendly day-trip destinations for families and great places to fill in some blanks about physics, chemistry, and biology.
Science Museums in central Stockholm and Djurgården
- The National Museum of Science and Technology & Wisdome – The National Museum of Science and Technology explains the complex worlds of technology, physics, and chemistry in a fun and interactive way. Wisdome, opened in 2023, is the museum's unique dome cinema, located in a building constructed almost entirely out of timber.
- Skansen Open Air Museum – One of Stockholm's most popular family attractions, in any category. The Skansen Outdoor Museum has collected genuine homesteads and buildings from all over Sweden, illustrating how Sweden has changed throughout history. There's also a zoo with Nordic fauna, a petting zoo, a tropical aquarium and terrarium, and an aquarium with Baltic sea animals.
- Paradox – Paradox plays around with interactive optical illusions. It challenges visitors' perceptions with over 70 installations, objects, and rooms. Experience revolving walls, meet a piano that composes personalized melodies, and step into a room where children grow past their tiny parents
- The Cell – A joint venture between The National Museum of Technology and Science, and The Karolinska Institute. The Cell aims to explore and explain scientific advances, through thought-provoking art exhibitions.
- K. A. Almgren Silk Weaving & Museum – The last silk weaving mill in the Nordic region. This industrial museum in Södermalm tells both the local history of K.A. Almgren's factory, the rise and fall of the Swedish silk industry, and women's role in industrialization.
- The Nobel Prize Museum – The world's most prestigious scientific prize has a museum of its own in Old Town. Besides a program of exhibitions about the prize, and the scientific advances it has acknowledged, The Noble Prize Museum highlights new laureates with the annual Nobel Calling event.
Science museums in the surrounding areas
- Accelerator – Located at Stockholm University's Frescati Campus, Accelerator is a forum for art and science. Accelerator's artistic team collaborates with cutting-edge artists and university researchers to address current social issues.
- Museum of the Future – A small museum that takes a peek at the big ideas of the future. An all-ages attraction where you'll meet social robots, and get to try VR games and advanced AI systems.
- Pythagoras industrimuseum – Pythagoras AB factory manufactured candelabras, light fittings, and hot bulb engines, between 1898-1973. These days Pythagoras functions as a museum instead, with its well-preserved factory floor, interior, and various machines giving a unique insight into the industrialization of Sweden in the 20th century.
- Swedish Museum of Natural History and Cosmonova – A museum full of knowledge and exhibits about the natural world. The exhibitions cover the polar regions, dinosaurs, the oceans, Swedish flora and fauna, and more. Located at the museum is also the Cosmonova IMAX dome theater, screening a repertoire of nature and science documentaries.
- Tom Tit's Experiment – Popular science park and interactive museum in the neighboring town of Södertälje, 45-50 minutes by computer train from central Stockholm. Tom Tit's lets visitors experiment and play, while at the same time learning about the laws of physics and chemistry.
- Upplevelsemuseet - Museum of Experiences – The Museum of Experiences collects oddities and curiosa from around the globe, for an interactive exhibition for all senses. Taste the future's food, smell the animal kingdom's most notorious smell, or lie down on an Indian nail mat.